City Council votes in favor of giving themselves a 50 percent salary increase
Proposal, which would take effect in 2014, now moves to mayor's desk
The Atlanta City Council voted 10-4 this afternoon in favor of giving themselves a 50 percent pay bump, raising their salaries from $39,473 to $60,300.
If approved by Mayor Kasim Reed, councilmembers would see their salaries increased in January 2014 after next November's elections. That means that some councilmembers wouldn't actually see the benefits unless they earn another term.
In October, a commission recommended the raise after looking into "fair compensation for Atlanta's elected officials." As Thomas Wheatley noted, the increases could potentially attract better candidates for these positions, which technically are considered part-time jobs. Some political scientists, however, say that's not necessarily the case.
Councilman Kwanza Hall - along with his colleagues Natalyn Mosby Archibong and C.T. Martin - voted against giving themselves raises, while Ivory Young abstained.
"My gut feeling was not to be inclined to do anything like this in this economic climate, as well as looking at the fact we have to consider our employees as well," Hall told 11 Alive today before City Council's meeting.
Reed's remained adamant on not accepting a proposed 25 percent increase for the mayor. Spokeswoman Sonji Jacobs says that her boss has not decided whether he will sign the legislation.
"While Mayor Reed does think members of Council deserve higher compensation, he has concerns about the timing," Jacobs tells CL. "As such, he is reserving judgment about the measure itself until he has time to fully vet the legislation."
If the proposed legislation earns the mayor's signature, the AJC reports that the pay bump would be "the largest in Atlanta's history." It would also mean that councilmembers' salaries will have tripled over the past 12 years.
We've inquired with the Mayor's office as to when Reed would take action on the legislation, and we'll post an update once we hear back.
UPDATE, Dec. 5, 2:18 p.m.: In addition to Councilmembers Kwanza Hall, Natalyn Mosby Archibong and C.T. Martin, Keisha Lance Bottoms also voted against the pay raise.